Global meltdown triggered off by the financial crisis in the West, collapse of major stock markets, unresolved conflicts in the Middle East, oil imbroglio----- a scenario seemingly turning worse day by day seems to have failed to act as a damper on the textile industry if one looks at the number of exhibitors – 450 Indian & 275 foreign -- lined up to showcase their machinery and wares at the India-ITME at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) grounds in Bangalore.

Organised by the India International Textile Machinery Exhibition Society (India ITME Society), the eight-day exhibition will be staged between November 15 - 22, 2008 at the BIEC complex at Dasanapura Hobli, 10 km from Bangalore. International and Indian textile machinery majors will make use of the 40,000 sq m exhibition space spread across the three halls of BIEC to display their new technology products and engineering components covering the entire gamut of textile processing activity from pre-spinning, spinning, weaving, knitting, processing, testing and textile finishing lines besides nonwoven textile machinery.

Mr C V Radhakrishnan, director of India-ITME himself says, "This event may not be as eventful as the previous one, due to global crisis." "But many companies have gone for modernisation, and therefore are bound to visit the exhibition to source machinery for the needs. In addition, we have done successful road shows in Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Along with some positive reports have come from Pakistan. Overall, there will be some fruitful visits from these countries since these nations have not been much affected by the global meltdown."

Bangalore is hosting this mega event for the first time. Despite the initial hiccups & doubts over the change in the venue for India-ITME (from the famed, but little-liked Bombay Exhibition Centre to the Bangalore grounds), the industry has by and large kept mum and settled and now only eager to see the outcome of the exhibition, which matters most now. The foreign exhibitors particularly are overenthusiastic and place more importance on the Indian market than the Chinese market at present as the latter has become a little laggard with the country rulers tightening their grip on the labour laws and the finances turning a bit sticky. China's growth, which awed many, has slowed down considerably, and most of the giants of textile machinery from Europe, who have waltzed with the Red Dragon set up big bases, are digging deeper into their conscience for reasons to justify their action.

“India is still largely a closed economy. It has strong internal growth dynamics from rapid productive growth and from its process of integration into the global economy that is still continuing", says the World Economic Outlook (WEO) released recently by the IMF, India is likely to register a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 7.9 per cent in 2008 - 09, which may slip to 6.9 per cent in 2009 - 10. But the resilience of the textile industry is certainly something to be admired at and the country is definitely a powerhouse of textiles and has the sustainability and endurance, which are lacking in many other countries, say pundits of economy.

Some of the big companies in textile machinery from abroad are highly optimistic about the Indian market. Says top brass form Marzoli, which has tasted a lot of success in India: "Marzoli considers the Indian market one of the most important and wants to give a mayor support to her Indian clients. In fact, Marzoli, during the last year, has expanded its service in the Indian market that can now count on an efficient structure with offices both in the north, in New Delhi and Mumbai, and in the south, in Madras and Coimbatore, where seven sales managers and ten service technicians trained at the Italian Marzoli headquarters are operational to serve the entire Indian territories. Thus, Marzoli's strength is in industrial engeneering and research design, internal production, testing new technology and old traditions quality: Her absolute and total commitment, from 150 years of history, to the future of yarn production."

Launched successfully at ITMA Munich, Marzoli's new comber C600N, was so well received at ITMA Asia in Shanghai, as another confirmation that Marzoli is fulfilling all investors expectations. Like Marzoli, many companies are introducing in India the machines that they launched in ITMA Asia+CITME held recently in Shanghai or in the last year's ITMA Munich.

Another case in point is Picanol. In view of the recent positive developments and the expected growth of the market, Picanol has set up, beginning this year, its own organisation in India: Picanol India Private Ltd, with offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Coimbatore. The aim is to serve the textile world even better through direct contact in sales and services. Also the engagement with no less than 6 machines in the ITME fair is to be seen in the same context. Picanol will display four high-tech weaving machines on its booth. In addition to these four looms, one Picanol Jacquard air-jet weaving machine will be on display on the Stäubli booth, and another Picanol OptiMax rapier will be on display at the Van de Wiele booth.

On the other side of the spectrum, even little-known companies like Dokaksam of Turkey are presenting their products for the Indian market hoping to do some business deals following drying up of the markets in the west. Spain is participating with 9 companies representing some major sectors of textile machinery.

Some French textile machinery manufacturers are gearing up to welcome their customers and potential customers at the INDIA-ITME. “They are not just participating in this show but have a long term approach of this strategic market” says Ms Evelyne Cholet, the secretary general of their association, UCMTF. In 2007, for example, with the support of the Indian Textile Associations like the Textile Association of India (TAI) and the Federation of All India Textile Manufacturers Associations (FAITMA), UCMTF organised two very successful seminars in New Delhi (Hyatt Regency) and Mumbai (The Leela) during which six workshops analysed the market trends, the business opportunities and offered technical solutions for enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian textile industry. Evelyne Cholet adds “At INDIA-ITME 2008 the Indian textile producers will have one more opportunity to discover the state of the art French offer, it is a major one as France is the 5th exporter of textile machinery worldwide with total exports of more than US$ 1 billion.”

There are a few new entrants too. Take for instance the Chennai-based Tensor Consulting Engineers. Says S N Barathi, managing director of tensor: "As a new entrant in the field of humidification plants and waste evacuation system we are looking forward for an exponential growth of our business after INDIA-ITME 2008. We strongly opine that as our product is energy efficient compared with other leading players in the market; it will draw the attention of many mills, as energy savings is the need of the hour. Presently many mills are affected due acute power shortage especially in south India. Our energy efficient product lines will be very useful to diffuse the power crisis to some extent.........As the cotton price is reducing, the textile mills will have an accelerated growth once the power situation improves."

Says D H Shah of Sabar Machine Tools Mfg Co, Ahmedabad: “SABAR” will participate in INDIA ITME ’08 under stand # 115 & we would like to introduce our company as a leading & largest manufacturer of spinning room roll shop machinery. Please be note that currently textile industry is facing lots of financial crisis & particularly machine manufacturers are facing problem of input materials cost & at the same time competitive rate of selling, which creates adverse position of all manufacturers. The Bangalore city is geographically not in the centre of our country due to which cost of transportation & cost of living compared to Mumbai & Delhi will be very high. The general opinion of Bangalore city seems to be not neutral city like Mumbai & Delhi. It represents southern part of India."

Among the other Indian exhibitors, Mr Manoj Patel of Tech Mech Engineers says: "We believe; “Quality speaks itself” The exhibition provides best platform to both, buyer & seller in exchanging ideas & comparing new technology. Our aim to participate in INDIA-ITME exhibition is, to explore the viability to boost up our product by displaying it and giving an idea of modern technology in weaving segment for good warping with latest technology. We are confident & envisage good volume of business in overseas market because umpteen numbers of visitors are expected."

India ITME Society organises the India ITME exhibition series once in four years since 1980. The last exhibition was held in 2004 at Mumbai, which attracted 748 exhibitors including 313 from foreign countries. It is the largest textile machinery exhibition of its kind in India and is being organised on similar lines as that of ITMA (Europe), ATME (USA) AND CITME (China). It mirrors the technological progress achieved in the machinery field and provide a platform for the international exchange of products and ideas. The exhibition attracts major textile engineering units of the world and is a showcase of the latest products and technology.

What They Say...................

1.
The best international show
“For Ashton, India-ITME is an important exhibition particularly to interact with Indian customers who cannot travel abroad. Our company has been exhibiting in ITME from its inception and has helped us greatly to show our products & build our brand image.

India ITME has come a long way and now comes at par with the best international shows in terms of exhibitors and visitors.”

Ashwani Bindal
Ashton, New Delhi.

2.
The future of industry looking good
"This premium event is happening in India at the right time. The future of the industry is looking good, and we are excited to be a part of this growth. Despite, seasonal fluctuations and the international financial disturbances, the long-term outlook of the industry is strong. ELGI, with its strong and proven product range is well poised to serve this growing industry. Energy efficient products offered by ELGI would help the textile industry in reigning in the increasing power cost."

Raghavan Neelakantan, Sr General Manager
ELGI, Coimbatore

3.
Latest development in energy saving machines
"With a strong market share in India, A Monforts Textilmaschinen - Germany will present jointly with its powerful partner, ATE Marketing Enterprises Private Limited - during INDIA ITME in Hall 1, Booth A110 – the latest developments in energy saving machines for first class dyeing and finishing of woven and knitted fabrics as well as special ranges for finishing denim fabrics.

Special highlights will also be the new Montex TT stenter for finishing technical textiles -including coating- with its unique 4metre treatment chamber with optimum accessibility and absolutely homogeneous and even air distribution.

All Monforts thermo treatment ranges are equipped with heat recovery attachments for lowest energy consumption and ‘Online-assistance’ - Teleservice via internet for highest availability, software update facilities and shortest response times in case of service support required. The new Thermex hotflues are a symbol for world leading continuous dyeing ranges utilising energy saving technology for environmental friendly production processes. The latest Monfortex sanforisors achieve lowest shrinkage factors with excellent look and feel of fabrics."

Wolfgang Kaphahn, Managing Director
A Monforts Textilmaschinen, Germany

4.
India for us is first country in number of machines sold
"LORIS BELLINI is a worldwide recognised top quality yarn dyeing machines specialist, with modern facilities in Italy, where the whole production range is manufactured, with the best European materials and components. India has been for us in 2008 the first Country per turnover and number of machines sold and installed; for this reason we had no doubts about participation in India-ITME. We are convinced that, specially in this moment of generally negative conjuncture, QUALITY + SAVINGS, which are our karma, are the only ways to get the added-value, which sole allow our Customer to compete and develop in the market. Our successes testify that, with special machines, is possible and easy to produce special yarns, with economic-ecological processes. Versatility (from Cashmere to Polyester) and flexibility in capacity, allowed by LORIS BELINI dyeing systems, are the keys to successfully enter the most difficult and profitable segments (fine-shirting, automotive, silk, cashmere, …)."

M Fassi
Loris Bellini Spa, Italy.

5.
The crisis a temporary situation
"Our Company MECHANO (INDIA), established in 1964 is engaged in marketing high quality weaving spares for Sulzer, Dornier, Repair & Air-jet Loom, although the current textile market is passing through worst phase at the moment. The financial crisis throughout the world market is additional problem at the moment.

However it seems to be a temporary phase & the situation will improve in near future. We are expecting good business in days to come as more & high-speed shuttleless looms are coming in Indian market.

As per the recent trend the Indian market will become the main textile hub in world market. Overseas buyers are more concentrating on Indian products due to better quality & competitive prices. So ITME is the best place to come more closer to local as well as international buyers."

Rajesh Bhartia
Mechano (India)

6.
We find hopes in sluggish economy too
"In this sluggish economy also, we can find future prospective of Indian textile industry. Labour, Power, Raw Material and Automated Cost Effective Quality Machines will play an important role for cost competitive product. Shortage of Trained Labour will be one of the main obstacles if Human Resources are not utilised properly.

We too joined in this competitive world and made ourselves ready to deliver Cost-Effective, Very Flexible and quality Spinning Machinery with maximum possible automation to reduce dependency on human. So, our valued clients are always step ahead of their market.

Thanks to SUPER, PRECOT & PREMIER GROUP of Coimbatore, NAHAR & Vardhaman GROUP, ALOK INDUSTRIES, ZENITH SPINNERS and all other valued clients who have entrusted their faith on us. ‘PERFECT’ will display Innovative Carding Machine, Fully Automatic Cot Grinding Machine which enhance life of cots by 50% and grind up to 550-Cots/Hr, 60”-Flat Mounting machine and Electronic Measuring System of Flat."

Naresh Mistry
Perfect Equipments P Ltd.

7.
Textile industry in an anxious state
"The Indian textile industry is more or less in an anxious state at present. Partly because of global slowdown and rest due to non-competence in terms of technology upgradation the Indian textile industry in general is losing against other countries (China, Pakistan, Bangladesh) in race for success. Since textiles is a heavy capital intensive industry in terms of machinery, labour, power as well as land, it is viable only if all four is available cheap and because of non-availability of these factors, textiles manufacturing slowly vanished from the western countries and it is developing in Asia.

India-ITME 2008 @ Bangalore might prove to be a ray of hope for the struggling industry and we might see good results soon if not in near future. The exhibitors profile looks impressive and we hope for the visitors profile to be at par. Lot of debate is being done on the selection of the venue but quality customers/visitors will come at any place given the reputation of the India-ITME Society."

Mittal Patel, Director
ABC CORPORATION
AHMEDABAD 380009

8
India a dynamic market for spinning industry
"India is without any doubt the most important and dynamic market for the spinning industry worldwide. The present depressed economic conditions do not change SUESSEN’s basic assessment of the Indian market one jota! We are convinced that the fundamentals are right, and that the market will re-emerge still stronger.

Consequently we consider the Indian ITME in Bangalore the most important show of 2008. SUESSEN’s main product for the Indian market is EliTe®- and EliTwist®Compact Spinning. Thanks to our visionary and entrepreneurial mill owners and their knowledgeable technical staff, we have sold over 13,00,000 EliTe®/EliTwist® spinning positions to the Indian market making SUESSEN the undisputed market leader in compact spinning in India. We will show EliTe®/EliTwist® on a running machine on our booth.
Nobody has any experience with a major textile show in Bangalore. We are confident that it will be well organised, and we hope that many of our customers will find their way to INDIA-ITME and to our booth."

Peter Stahlecker, MD
SUESSEN

9.
Hopes for a revival before year-end
"Our company has participated in ITME 2004 in Mumbai. It has benefited us to reach our products globally. So we are participating again in ITME-2008 at Bangalore.

ITME exhibitions have lot of potential for growth of products and to link business globally. At present, textile scenario is going at a slow pace. There is recession in textile industry. Hoping that textile will once again revive before this year end."

Rahul A Shah
For Sumanlal J Shah & Co

10.
India-ITME has grown in stature
"This international textile machinery exhibition that is being held every 4th year, in India, is gaining in its popularity and purpose. I cannot help being a bit nostalgic, as I still vividly remember the first exhibition that was held in 1980, in a make-shift arrangement at Bandra reclamation ground, Mumbai.

With passage of time the exhibition has grown in its stature and spread. From regional, it has become international. We are upbeat about participation in the exhibition to showcase new development at TRUETZSCHLER, who is the leader in Bale to Sliver technology. TRUETZSCHLER cards are pioneer in their design, application and user friendliness. The new Comber is also among the latest in application and engineering, which finds a place of pride among TRUETZSCHLER line of products.

It is true that the textile industry is at present passing through a tough time. The industry being cyclical, in nature, one tends to believe that this downturn is not permanent. This present state has been created because of negative impact of all inputs that have happened simultaneously.

So long as the civilisation exists and population increases, textile industry will remain in low cost countries, may be in different shape and size."

Pratap Sarma, Vice President-Mktg
Trumac Engineering Co Pvt Ltd
Ahmedabad

11.
Textile industry will see higher technology
"The 8th India International Textile Machinery Exhibition (INDIA-ITME 2008) is to be held from 15th to 22nd November 2008 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), India. The exhibition will give an opportunity to the participants and business visitors to access the new technology and developments in textile production and operations.

The Bangalore Exhibition Complex is state-of-the-art centre with modern facilities to display textile machines and accessories. We have decided to shift the show to Bangalore for the better convenience of all concerned.

The textile industry has shown buoyancy in the last three years. The world capacity of spindleage, O E Rotors, shuttleless looms, shuttle looms and finishing has grown enormously. The industry has gravitated towards the southern hemisphere and the leading producers are located in China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh and so on.

The textile industry will see higher technology, speed and better quality in its production operations in the years ahead. INDIA-ITME 2008 aims to promote the latest technology and improvements in production for a brighter tomorrow."

Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu,Chairman
India ITME Society.